The difference between infrared panels and convectors
When you are looking for energy-efficient heating for your home, you will soon come across two popular options: infrared panels and convectors .
They both appear compact, efficient and modern, but they work in completely different ways and you will notice this in the comfort, energy consumption and the result in the space.
In this guide, you'll discover exactly how both systems work, what their benefits are, and which of the two is best suited to your home, office, or bathroom.
What are infrared panels?
Infrared panels do not heat the air, but you, your furniture and the walls just like the sun.
You will feel direct, soft warmth as soon as the panel is turned on.
Benefits of infrared panels
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Up to 40% more efficient than conventional electric heaters
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Hardly any heat loss
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Heats up in 1–2 minutes
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Ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms, small offices, cold walls
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No dry air or dust circulation
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Whisper quiet
Disadvantages
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Heats the air less quickly
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You must be within the radiation range to feel the heat directly
What are convectors?
A convector works by heating air. The warm air rises, cools, and sinks again, heating the entire room evenly.
Advantages of convectors
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Heats the entire room quickly
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Very suitable for areas where people move a lot
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Perfect for living rooms, hobby rooms, home offices
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Energy efficient in eco mode
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Quiet and compact
Disadvantages
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Uses a little more power than infrared
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Can cause dry air (but less than traditional radiators)
Key difference 1: Direct heat vs. air heating
Infrared → heats you and objects
You feel direct warmth on your skin, even when the air temperature is still low.
Convector → heats the air
The room gets evenly warm everywhere, but it takes a little longer before you notice it.
Key difference 2: Energy consumption
With infrared panels, almost all of the energy goes to direct radiant heat.
With convectors you heat more volume (air), which means consumption is slightly higher.
If you want to heat economically → infrared wins.
If you want to warm the whole room → a convector wins.
Key Difference 3: Where in the house do you use them?
✔️ Infrared is ideal for:
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small bedrooms
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bathrooms
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workplaces where you sit still
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rooms with cold walls
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places where ventilation causes drafts
✔️ Convector is ideal for:
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living rooms
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larger hobby rooms
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home offices where multiple people move around
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attics
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rooms with colder air currents
Key Difference 4: Feeling of Comfort
Infrared = sensation of sun heat.
You feel warmth on your skin, even when the room is not yet 20°C.
Convector = room temperature rises everywhere.
It feels comfortable and stable, especially for larger spaces.
Key Difference 5: Installation and Space Usage
Infrared panels:
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can be mounted on wall or ceiling
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do not take up floor space
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sleek, minimalist look
Convectors:
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usually stand on the floor or on the wall
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compact and portable
Which one should you choose?
✔️ Choose infrared when:
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you want to heat economically
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you have a small space (<12 m²)
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you want to feel direct warmth
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it is a bathroom or bedroom
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you suffer from dry air
✔️ Choose a convector when:
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you want to heat an entire room quickly
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you have a larger space (>12 m²)
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multiple people use the room
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it is a living room or attic
Example situations
8 m² home office:
→ Infrared panel + desk heating = ideal
Bathroom:
→ Electric towel radiator or IR panel
Hobby room or studio of 15 m²:
→ Convector
Attic room:
→ Convector (heats air faster in larger rooms)
Conclusion
The difference between infrared panels and convectors is significant, but simply explained:
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Infrared = economical, direct heat for small spaces
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Convector = fast air heating for larger spaces
In many homes a combination is even ideal:
for example infrared for direct heat above the desk + convector for the rest of the room.
Do you want to know exactly which heating is best suited to your space?
View our recommended solutions here:
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